Just shows that relying on Google organic is like that story about building your house on sand. It can get washed away at any moment.

Relying on organic traffic that has been developed from using questionable techniques and tools will always have this risk. Developing content above board and how Google expects will always reduce this risk. Sure it might take more time and effort to get to the top for listings but you can at least know you won't fall victim to the next Google update.